Taking Vitamin E for hot flashes

I've been on Tamoxifen for 5 1/2 years since my original diagnosis, and my main side effect from it is hot flashes.  I've been taking Vitamin E (standard drugstore Vitamin E gels, 400 IU, twice a day) for years, and it really does help with hot flashes for me.  Doesn't completely eliminate them, but helps a lot.

My oncologist and OB/GYN are both aware I take Vitamin E, and are fine with it.  My oncologist did mention that there's some conflicting evidence about Vitamin E's effect on your heart, but didn't feel it was a risk for me.

I'm sure your own individual risk is a big factor:  I have a family history of heart disease, and have high blood pressure, but have no other heart-related issues.  Also, I'm on a daily baby aspirin at my oncologist's recommendation, as he feels there's strong enough evidence that a daily baby aspirin may help prevent breast and colon cancer.  And I know baby aspirin helps protect your heart.

I also know that most surgeons will ask you to stop taking Vitamin E before any surgery, as it can increase bleeding.  My surgeon had me stop taking it about a week before my recent mastectomy.

So...I think the most important thing is to talk with your doctor in detail about your individual risk, and weigh that against the benefits.  If your oncologist isn't being very clear about why he's making this recommendation, you might try speaking with your primary care doctor, or another one of your doctors.

Traci

I was also told to stop taking Vitamin E a few years ago. I can' remember anymore why I shouldn't. I do remember that that particular doctor took a blood level of Vitamin E and it was too high. I learned from him that just because you take a vitamin or mineral, doesn't mean it's always good for me and that if a blood level test exists, it should probably be checked on if it can have negative effects on the body!

I used to take Evening Primrose Oil supplements for hot flashes but I made sure i asked my doctor if it was ok.